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Zen Ties (by Jon J Muth)

common sense media says

Zen lessons that take on new meaning as kids grow.

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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this gentle book shares a terrific message that can be enjoyed by families of many religious backgrounds. It's the sequel to Zen Shorts, but can be read without reading the other book. The publisher likely selected an older target age (9-12) because of the book's complexity, but kids as young as 5 will enjoy the pandas and the relationships even if they miss some of the story's depth.

Positive messages: Kids learn kindness is its own reward.
Violence: Not applicable.
Sex: Not applicable.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
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More on Zen Ties

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about doing the right thing. Does it make sense to be nice to someone who's being mean? Can kids think of a time where kindness changed a bad situation? Why do we do the right thing? Famlies can also try their hand at writing haiku poetry with the explanation in the back of the book.

What's the story?

What's the story?
Stillwater helps his friends understand why it's important to be kind even to people who don't seem to deserve it. Includes a brief explanation of haiku in the back.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
Stillwater the Zen panda originally appeared in Muth's picture book, Zen Shorts. This time Stillwater is welcoming nephew Koo ("Hi Koo!" as in haiku -- the younger Panda only speaks in that short poetic form). Koo and the neighborhood kids reach out to a grouchy neighbor with what might be surprising results for kids who haven't read this kind of fable before.

Like many sequels, ZEN TIES isn't as good as the original, but it holds up on its own. Muth's illustrations are amazing -- soft watercolors with details that lend incredible realism -- and the gentle story is many layered, allowing it to be read and understood differently as kids grow and re-read it.

Book themes & details

Book Details
Author: Jon J Muth
Illustrator: Jon J. Muth
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Publication date: February 1, 2008
Number of pages: 40
Hardcover price: $17.99
This review was written by Dawn Friedman
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

Jennie Teh
adult
2
 
I so sad...
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helped me decide (4) | had useful details (4) | read my mind (3)
poppetsmommy
adult
 
beautiful pictures!
No glitz or glamour needed; this is a simple sweet story with beautiful pictures that parents and kids will both love to read together!
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was this review useful?
helped me decide (4) | had useful details (4) | read my mind (3)

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